News:

Well the news is that it's out! BEEN out in fact, since that wicked hoedown at DC9 in August - but not worry, I've still got some copies in the closet. Get yours today!


Previews:

That's all the songs in the player, silly! If you like 'em - get the full CD - it comes in a reused cd case from greendisk.com and recycled paper cd insert plus some pretty art on the cover.

But seriously, some things to look for in the coming months.

-revamped www.jonbraman.com - including videos, lyrics and detailed liner notes on climatastrophunk, song background, recording stories and more
-songs from climatastrophunk up on itunes, other digital outlets, etc.
-more shows with more of my collaborators, mentors, mermaids, mesmerizers
-underground gorilla promotion oppotunities for you, your friends and gorillas
-the 8-track show on nov 26th in the village is going to be, well, a great time. can't wait to see you

Reviews (first few):

links...

www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=2257

www.ontaponline.com/view_article.php?article_id=10744

www.ontaponline.com/view_article.php?article_id=10852

full text...

Washington City Paper August, 2007

Standout Track: No. 2, "The Weather," which grafts hip-hop production to Jon Braman's ukulele-plucking and rapping. His spitfire verses indict FEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina ("Keep saying, 'We'll adapt,' but it's crap because you can't evac"), American youth in Iraq ("Got little kids coming of age…got hand grenades), and the viability of political rallies ("We had the power/But it only lasted for about an hour"). Though Braman's outlook seems bleak, all is redeemed by the chorus: "I think if we stand together, maybe/We might just be able to get by."

Musical Motivation: "We were exploring the different things hip-hop ukulele can be," says Braman, who worked with producer Tim Bright to construct "The Weather" using the uke, hand claps, assorted percussion, and an Optigan, an obscure '70s keyboard. The lush sonic palette echoes the 27-year-old Mount Pleasant resident's variety of concerns. "Climatastrophunk," he says, is "the funk that you feel in the face of ongoing climatic catastrophe.…[I'm] trying to make some music that reflects all those feelings."

HellBent for Shoe Leather: Braman cites Common and Ani DiFranco as influences, but his music was also shaped by pounding the pavement for an environmental nonprofit. "Canvassing is a strange mix of beating your head against the wall and actually getting to see firsthand that we are all in this together," he says. Today he maintains a day job researching green architecture and celebrates the portability of his chosen instrument. "I like to play in whatever little moment I have," Braman says. "If you're shopping, standing around bored, you can play the ukulele.…Sometimes I embarrass my wife, but it's fun."

Jon Braman plays Wednesday, Aug. 15, at 14U Cafe.



On TAP: August CD reviews:

Jon Braman
Climatastrophunk
www.jonbraman.com
Ukuleles and hip-hop? Stranger combinations have been made to work, and Braman's strength as a lyricist and songwriter does indeed force one to overcome any preconceptions that may have existed before listening to his music. The record is well-executed, slipping from sun drenched '80s hiphop compositions to near-Sublime deliveries, though this aspect is double edged. Braman in undeniably talented and unique, and I hope these facets overcome people's presumptions. CD release show at DC 9 on Aug. 8. — LGLP

On TAP November: Mr. Joel's 4 artists to watch:

Jon Braman
Web: www.myspace.com/jonbraman
Album: Climatastrophunk
It's a great gimmick: The white guy rapping with a ukelele that he found in the trash. But once you hear the album, the ukelele becomes almost irrelevant. Sure, it matters because it draws attention to Jon Braman, and because it gives the music a lighter sound. But if his rap sucked, it wouldn't help. Fortunately he's got the lyrical and rhythmical down, channeling messages of social conscience, environmental awareness, and falling in love with strangers with perfect aplomb.